10 August 2008

New York and Back

Coincedentally, there was a piece on bicycle culture in New York City on one of the national news shows the other evening. It was about how New York now has their first bike lane. Admittedly, the tone was akin to, "NYC just got... get this... a bicycle lane!", presented with a crooked smile.It was all about the bike lane[s] and about how more and more people are cycling in New York City of late. They interviewed the owner of a brewery in Brooklyn who rides to work and several cyclists on the streets.It was actually cool to see so many cyclists not wearing helmets. It's actually a good sign. It means that there are cyclists who feel safe in the traffic and it is, for me, a reassuring sign. Just like seeing so many cyclists in Paris.Seriously? Bike pictograms with a helmet?! That's just goofy.This guy says, "I ride everyday. It's safe." Sure, he's wearing a cycling jersey, but he's half forgiven because it's Team CSC - and they're Danish.A traffic expert was interviewed. She confirmed the increase in bikes and said that many people are abandoning their cars and taken public transport. When asked if New York could be a new Copenhagen? "That would take an enormous change in peoples' behaviour."

Kilometres cycled by Copenhageners so far today

Copenhagenize.com is the blog of Copenhagenize Design Company. Online since 2007 and highlighting the cycling life in Copenhagen and around the world.

40 years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 41% of the population arriving at work or education do so on bicycles, from all over the Metro area. 56% of Copenhageners themselves use bicycles each day. They all use over 1000 km of bicycle lanes in Greater Copenhagen for their journeys. Copenhagenizing is possible anywhere.